Diagnosis Code I70.6

ICD-10: I70.6 Short Description: Athscl nonbiological bypass graft(s) of the extremities Long Description: Atherosclerosis of nonbiological bypass graft(s) of the extremities This is the 2018 version of the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code I70.6

Not Valid for Submission
The code I70.6 is a "header" and not valid for submission for HIPAA-covered transactions.

Code Classification

Diseases of the circulatory system (I00–I99)

Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries (I70-I79)

Atherosclerosis (I70)

Information for Medical Professionals

Index of Diseases and InjuriesReferences found for the code I70.6 in the Index of Diseases and Injuries:

Information for Patients

Atherosclerosis

Also called: Arteriosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. That limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body.

Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including

Coronary artery disease. These arteries supply blood to your heart. When they are blocked, you can suffer angina or a heart attack.

Carotid artery disease. These arteries supply blood to your brain. When they are blocked you can suffer a stroke.

Peripheral arterial disease. These arteries are in your arms, legs and pelvis. When they are blocked, you can suffer from numbness, pain and sometimes infections.

Atherosclerosis usually doesn't cause symptoms until it severely narrows or totally blocks an artery. Many people don't know they have it until they have a medical emergency.

A physical exam, imaging, and other diagnostic tests can tell if you have it. Medicines can slow the progress of plaque buildup. Your doctor may also recommend procedures such as angioplasty to open the arteries, or surgery on the coronary or carotid arteries. Lifestyle changes can also help. These include following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels outside of your heart. The cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. This happens when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. Plaque is a substance made up of fat and cholesterol. It causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked. This can reduce or stop blood flow, usually to the legs. If severe enough, blocked blood flow can cause tissue death and can sometimes lead to amputation of the foot or leg.

The main risk factor for PAD is smoking. Other risk factors include older age and diseases like diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Many people who have PAD don't have any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include

Pain, numbness, achiness, or heaviness in the leg muscles. This happens when walking or climbing stairs.

Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet

Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly, poorly, or not at all

Doctors diagnose PAD with a physical exam and heart and imaging tests. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes surgery. Lifestyle changes include dietary changes, exercise, and efforts to lower high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

All contents of this website are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranty of any kind for general information purposes only.
The contents of the ICD List website are for informational purposes only. Reliance on any information provided by the ICD List website or other visitors to this website is solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 911 immediately.